Do you enjoy walking? Are you empathetic, and able to listen, initiate conversation and make people feel at ease?

If so, have you considered helping out as a volunteer at TuVida, providing companionship and encouragement to help others enjoy the outdoors again?

What's involved in this role:

We are looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to accompany unpaid carers or the people they care for (who may have a range of health conditions and disabilities), on a regular 1-1 weekly walk to offer social and emotional interaction.

As a volunteer you will take on a number of simple yet crucial tasks – encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors which will aid their health and wellbeing, be company and a friend to chat to and give them something to look forward to.

You’ll also meet some amazing people with lots of life experiences to share.

Personal qualities we look for:

• Punctuality and reliability.
• Empathy and the ability to remain calm and patient.
• A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a respect for the privacy of others.
• Flexibility and the ability to operate within the boundaries of the role.
• A friendly and sensitive approach.
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others.
• The ability to respect the personal choice of lifestyles of colleagues and people with care needs, ensuring that equal opportunities are always applied.
• A love for walking and friendships

What’s in it for you?

You will have the opportunity to:

• Join a friendly supportive team and make a real difference to carers.
• Gain new skills, use existing talents and give something back to the local community.
• Gain work experience if considering a career change or looking for paid work.
• Do something valuable and rewarding with your free time in a supportive care environment.
• Meet new people.
• Experience the satisfaction of helping other people, be part of an organisation that will value you.
• DBS (free).

You will be supporting:

• Carers over 18 years who may have disabilities and difficulties
• Cared for over 18 years of age who may have disabilities and difficulties

Induction and training

• Volunteers are supported with a comprehensive induction session before commencement. The training will be relevant to your voluntary role and provide the opportunity to gain valuable skills.
• It is a requirement for all volunteers working with vulnerable adults and children to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check at an enhanced level.
• We reimburse travel costs and cover the cost of your volunteer DBS check.

COVID-19

Health & safety and wellbeing for you and the people we support are important to us. We will ensure to the best of our ability we will provide our volunteers with up to date information, advice and training.

We expect all our volunteers to follow all Public Health England guidelines in relation to your safety and social distancing.

Find out more

If you have any questions, would like to talk about any of our volunteer opportunities or would like to apply to join our volunteer team, please contact Sue Cain, Volunteer Coordinator:

• Via email: [email protected]
• Via telephone: 0115 824 6666